Adult ADHD Medication UK
Medical treatments can help ease symptoms of ADHD however they are not a cure. People suffering from ADHD usually benefit from talking therapy and lifestyle modifications.
The effects of stimulants increase the quantity of certain chemicals in your brain, which allow brain cells to communicate. Initially, your doctor will prescribe a medication and then gradually adjust the dosage to discover the right balance for you.
Stimulants
Stimulants have been around for the longest in ADHD medication, and they are likely to be given first to those who need these medications. They boost activity in the areas of your brain that control attention and help you take actions. They also increase levels of chemicals like dopamine and norepinephrine that transmit messages between brain cells.
There are best adhd medication for adults with anxiety with short-acting effects that need to be taken 2-3 times a day, and long-acting stimulants that can be taken once a day. Your doctor and you will decide which one is best for you depending on the time you prefer taking it, whether you can swallow pills or not and cost.
The most commonly used ADHD drugs are methylphenidates or amphetamines. Both drugs have a long-standing practice of using them safely in children. Studies show that they are equally effective for adults. They can be taken as tablets or liquids, and generally start to have an effect within 1 hour. They can be used for short and long-term treatment and are extremely well-tolerated, with the main negative effects being loss in appetite, headaches and sleep problems.
Atomoxetine also referred to as Vyvanse, is a selective inhibitor of the noradrenaline uptake. This means that it increases the levels of noradrenaline in the brain. This helps to improve concentration and reduce impulse-driven behavior, but it could cause more serious side effects than methylphenidates or lisdexamfetamine. It can be taken as a daily tablet but it also comes in a modified release form that can be taken just once a day.
Lisdexamfetamine is a mixture of dexamphetamine (methylphenidate) and methylphenidate (methylphenidate) is broken into smaller pieces by the body and produces its effects over the course of several hours. NICE recommends it as a first-line drug treatment for adults. They suggest that you could be switched to it when your GP gives you a six-week trial of methylphenidate.
Doctors are more likely to prescribe non-licensed medication for adults as opposed to younger patients, and they'll often provide alternatives. They may be cheaper but have not been fully examined and therefore are 'off licence'. This does not mean they are unsafe, but it does mean that you need to pay for them through private psychiatrists and the NHS is unlikely to pay for them.
It is wonderful that more people are aware of ADHD, but this must be matched with increased investment in services to help adults suffering from the disorder. We are at risk of creating a generation of people who will struggle at school, at work, and in their relationships if we do not act. People who don't receive assistance from education, housing as well as healthcare services could end up suffering from mental disorders that can cause unemployment, homelessness or crime, addiction to drugs and health-related issues.
GPs are trained to assess the presence of ADHD and refer patients to specialist clinics. They usually ask you about your symptoms, and then run a series of tests to rule out any other conditions that could be causing the problem. The clinics are staffed by experts in depression, anxiety, Tourettes, autism, and phobias. They will prescribe the appropriate medication to treat your specific condition.